Electric Shock from magnetic ballast sitting on top of grow box

Mamba01

Mamba01

Well-Known Member
Hi Guys,

So I went to open my steel grow box a few minutes ago. Got a shock when I touched it's metal handle. The magnetic 400 watt ballast is sitting on top of the grow box. There was a lot of moisture coming out and around the box due to the A/C mounted inside.

My question here is how I prevent this from happening again. Is there something I can put under the ballast? So I don't electicute myself next time? Yikes!!

Thank you
 
Mamba01

Mamba01

Well-Known Member
Hi rkymtnman,

Thank you for your very practical advice,
It is not on a GFCI circuit.
In the grow box the A/C is mounted inside with all of the electrical points coming out of the box.
The air pumps are also outside. The only thing touching the box is the Ballast, I was on low voltage last night and I could here the ignitor making a clicking noise so when I touched the handle I got zapped.

I live in the boonies on a tropical coast so my electrical supply options are limited, here are some photos of what I'm working with.

Big thanks
Mamba 01
 

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THCBrain

THCBrain

Well-Known Member
Hey mamba can we have a picture of the inside of your steel box? I have once of those boxes but never thought about using it as a grow box..
 
Mamba01

Mamba01

Well-Known Member
Hey THCBrain,

Absolutely, here you are. There is a mounted A/C inside. On the outer perimeter on the top right there's an exhaust fan. On the bottom left - an intake fan. The only thing I cannot do is move the light..
 

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T

tonygreen

Well-Known Member
Hmmm the condensation is probably coming from temps being cooler in the metal box and warmer outside, like a bottle of beer.

Unless it is your only option I would get out of that metal box.
 
Mamba01

Mamba01

Well-Known Member
You're absolutely right, tonygreen.
tonygreen said:
Hmmm the condensation is probably coming from temps being cooler in the metal box and warmer outside, like a bottle of beer.

Unless it is your only option I would get out of that metal box.
Click to expand...
You're absolutely right tonygreen, am working my way out after this harvest( fingers crossed) Trying to avoid pest problems.. The tropical climate where I live is unavoidable when it comes to serious creepy crawlies.. Am going to do my homework this summer and come up with a conducive design, cheers for the input :bigjoint:
 
rkymtnman

rkymtnman

Well-Known Member
Mamba01 said:
Hi rkymtnman,

Thank you for your very practical advice,
It is not on a GFCI circuit.
In the grow box the A/C is mounted inside with all of the electrical points coming out of the box.
The air pumps are also outside. The only thing touching the box is the Ballast, I was on low voltage last night and I could here the ignitor making a clicking noise so when I touched the handle I got zapped.

I live in the boonies on a tropical coast so my electrical supply options are limited, here are some photos of what I'm working with.

Big thanks
Mamba 01
Click to expand...
hey mamba

i would try to ground the ballast if possible. is there a ground lug/screw on the ballast? inside the newtech wall outlet, is there a place to run a ground wire?

if that is not practical, i would put a thick piece of rubber in between the ballast and the grow box.

good luck! be safe!
 
Mamba01

Mamba01

Well-Known Member
Hi rykmtnman,

I think I do actually. Am going to speak with my electrician about that ASAP. Put a thick cement block in between ballast and grow box. Running out to get a think piece of rubber first thing. Thanks! Cheers for this!
 
T

tonygreen

Well-Known Member
So tents no good for you man? I was thinking maybe mesh over the intakes to prevent bugs?

If not a wooden cabinet would stop the moisture maybe.
 
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